Summer Apprenticeship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Philadelphia Outward Bound School

SUMMARY

The Philadelphia Outward Bound School Apprenticeship is an entry-level field position that provides hands-on training and outdoor education ground experience; including at least two weeks in Challenge Course Programming, at least one week in Wilderness Expedition course delivery, and a minimum of two weeks focused on program logistics.

The schedule is structured to develop the skills necessary for a Seasonal Instructor role, including facilitating wilderness expeditions, challenge course programs, logistics, and team-building experiences, all aligned with Outward Bound’s mission.

Our Apprenticeship is a 10- to 12-week program designed to provide Apprentices with the training and skills necessary to be an Instructor. Upon successful completion of the Apprenticeship, individuals will likely move into a Seasonal Instructor position. Because it takes time to develop and hone the skills needed to work in this field, we strongly suggest and ask for a multi-season commitment from our Apprentices and Instructors. POBS is excited to invest in individuals who demonstrate commitment to our mission and, most importantly, to our students!

Applicants who have experience working in the experiential education field, outdoor leadership, or a minimum of two years working in education may be eligible to apply directly for an Instructor position. Instructors can specialize in multi-day expeditions or day-long team-building programs or a mix of both! We accept applications for these positions on a rolling basis until filled.

About Us

Outward Bound is an international educational movement dedicated to the belief that people are capable of far more than they know. Founded in 1992, Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS)’s mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. POBS – serving PA, NJ, and northern DE – is one of 9 regional Outward Bound USA schools. A robust, non-profit educational organization, POBS annually engages more than 7,000 youth and adult participants in single and multi-day experiential education programs that inspire character development, leadership, and community service. All programs are designed to inspire participants to realize their true potential.

• Gain foundational knowledge of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School’s educational framework, including challenge course operations and facilitation techniques.
• Develop core outdoor skills in backpacking, canoeing, and climbing.
• Understand the logistical planning and coordination required for successful wilderness expeditions.
• Receive bi-weekly mentorship from an experienced POBS staff member.
• Complete performance evaluations and receive recommendations for future roles, based on demonstrated skills and organizational needs.
• Participate in 3–4 weeks of training prior to beginning program support and delivery responsibilities.
• Opportunity to be trained and certified in Basic First Aid and CPR.
• Complete the virtual Leave No Trace for Backcountry course.

**Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Those submitted before May 15th will be prioritized**

Employment Dates: June 1st – August 31st, 2026

Opportunity to continue employment from August 31 to November 20, contingent upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and a positive performance evaluation.

Mandatory Trainings Dates: June 1st - 22

Mandatory Overnight Training Dates: June 3rd - 12th

Qualifications:

• Ability to respond creatively, flexibly, and compassionately to the needs of our participants.
• Genuine interest in outdoor education, youth development, and experiential learning.
• Commitment to personal growth, teamwork, and professional development.
• Physical ability to participate in extended field programs (hiking, paddling, climbing, etc.) in varying weather conditions.
• Commitment to continuous learning and ability and willingness to deliver and receive feedback.
• Commitment to Outward Bound's mission to change lives through challenge and discovery
• Commitment to Outward Bound's values of equity, inclusion, and diversity, integrity, compassion, and excellence
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Enthusiasm for collaborating with diverse groups of participants and staff.

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge & Abilities

• Collaboration - Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds to effectively meet shared objectives, while encouraging the open expression of a diversity of ideas and opinions.
• Communication - ability to clearly convey ideas, facts and information in a variety of settings using different mediums, while encouraging the open expression of a diversity of ideas and opinions.
• Conflict Management - Ability to manage and resolve conflict productively and with minimal negative impact by integrating a diversity of viewpoints, addressing harm, and fostering understanding and empathy.
• Continual Learning -The ability to assess and recognize one's own strengths and pursue opportunities for continuous improvement through formal and informal channels including feedback, training, or stretch goals. An interest in and commitment to knowing oneself and others.
• Cultural Competence -The ability to recognize and appreciate patterns of cultural differences and commonalities and to shift cultural perspective and change behavior in culturally appropriate and authentic ways.
• Decision Making - The ability to make sound and timely decisions that accomplish goals, even in the face of uncertainty or high-pressure situations.
• Instills Trust - The ability to gain the confidence and trust of people from varying backgrounds and lived experiences through honesty, integrity, authenticity, and consistency between words and actions.

Skills

• Risk Management - Ability to lead self and others in anticipating, mitigating, and engaging in healthy risks to meet goals.
• Self-Management - The ability to set well-defined and realistic personal goals, take on and complete tasks in a timely manner, and complete work with an appropriate level of supervision.
• Situational Adaptability - The ability to modify approach and demeanor in real time to align with the shifting demands of different situations. The ability to "read the room" and adjust accordingly.
• Teaching Others - The ability to help others learn through formal and informal methods, identify training needs, provide constructive feedback, and coach others on how to successfully perform tasks.
• Outdoor Technical Skills - Demonstrated competency in skills like canoeing, portaging, backpacking, campcraft, map and compass navigation, expedition logistics and risk management.

Physical Requirements

• Able to participate in extended field programs (hiking, paddling, climbing, etc.) in varying weather conditions.
• Able to carry a weighted backpack on backcountry terrain for up to 14 days consecutively.
• Able to work in remote outdoor settings for extended periods.
• Able to be on feet most days, occasionally for up to 16 hours or more in case of emergency.
• Able to carry, lift, and move a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Able to comfortably work at heights of 30-40 feet.

Eligibility

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must procure and pass an FBI Criminal Records Check prior to employment.
• Must obtain Criminal and Child Abuse clearances for Pennsylvania prior to employment.
• Able to work irregular hours as necessary including the ability to work weekends as assigned.
• Must have a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 3 years at time of hire and a willingness/ability to drive large passenger vans/trailers (upon successful completion of POBS driver training and assessment.)

Benefits

• Stipend: $1,600 monthly (paid bi-weekly)
• Eligibility for continued employment with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School as a Seasonal Instructor and/or Facilitator upon successful completion of the 12-week apprenticeship.
• Staff house bunk rooms may be available for up to 3 addition program seasons at $125/month.
• Access to Pro Deals (the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear at discounted rates).
• Access to POBS Employee Assistance Program.
• 50 credit bonus upon completion the 12-week Spring Program Apprenticeship (within a credit-based pay scale).
• In-house and external professional development opportunities; including Outward Bound Network Staff Invitationals.
• A vibrant staff culture—many team members form lifelong friendships here.

The Philadelphia Outward Bound School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.